ANALYSIS: Why Kalyn Ponga has the whole State of Origin series in his hands
What's stood out about Kalyn Ponga's build-up to Origin is how quiet the whole thing has been.
On and on and on it goes, because Kalyn Ponga sells papers and pulls in viewers and induces clicks and provides grist for the rugby league opinion mill like few other players in the sport. Ponga is still just 24, which is far too young to only be the guy who used to be Kalyn Ponga. So much has already happened to him but his best football should all still be in front of him.
Given Ponga has been counted as an elite player for so long, his Origin career is surprisingly sparse. He's worn the Maroon jersey just four times since his debut back in 2018 and is yet to fully impose himself on the interstate arena. But that same talent also means Ponga has the ability to be one of Queensland's best and in Origin, things can be different – he won't be the beginning and the end of everything as he is in Newcastle, which could unlock his best football.
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